Hiking Tour of the Greater Caucasus Mountains
Overview
There’s mountain scenery fit for a fairytale in Georgia, and the Hiking Tour of the Greater Caucasus Mountains is an unforgettable journey into these pristine scenes. On this easygoing hiking tour, you’ll trek to hilltop monasteries impossibly perched among the summits, where traders, religious leaders, and adventurers have passed by for millennia. Rest under thundering waterfalls, where the border of Russia sits just nearby. Hike in the shadow of might Mount Kazbek, spellbound by the unbelievable scenery.
Between active outings, you’ll soak up the culture and food scene of Georgia. Tour electric Tbilisi, where a mishmash of cultures have created energy like no other over thousands upon thousands of years. Sip wine at family-run wineries and enjoy cable car rides up to ski resorts. The Hiking Tour of the Greater Caucasus Mountains is the ideal exploration of Georgia’s outdoors, suitable for the beginner or intermediate hiker but sure to enchant all who join!
Hiking Tour of the Greater Caucasus Mountains Overview
There’s mountain scenery fit for a fairytale in Georgia, and the Hiking Tour of the Greater Caucasus Mountains is an unforgettable journey into these pristine scenes. On this easygoing hiking tour, you’ll trek to hilltop monasteries impossibly perched among the summits, where traders, religious leaders, and adventurers have passed by for millennia. Rest under thundering waterfalls, where the border of Russia sits just nearby. Hike in the shadow of might Mount Kazbek, spellbound by the unbelievable scenery.
Between active outings, you’ll soak up the culture and food scene of Georgia. Tour electric Tbilisi, where a mishmash of cultures have created energy like no other over thousands upon thousands of years. Sip wine at family-run wineries and enjoy cable car rides up to ski resorts. The Hiking Tour of the Greater Caucasus Mountains is the ideal exploration of Georgia’s outdoors, suitable for the beginner or intermediate hiker but sure to enchant all who join!
Hike to hilltop monasteries older than time, perched right among imposing mountain peaks.
Trek to rushing waterfalls hidden inside verdant forests, where you’ll dance on the border with Russia.
Sip wine between hikes at a locally-run winery surrounded by picturesque mountain views.
Follow in the footsteps of fabled Greek gods, traders, smugglers, and royalty as you explore fortresses and villages.
Trip map for Hiking Tour of the Greater Caucasus Mountains
Barbara C.
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Just an amazing experience. Absolutely lifechanging!
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It was a fantastic trip and Nadine was extremely responsive to all of our questions.
Itinerary for Hiking Tour of the Greater Caucasus Mountains
Arrival
Welcome to Tbilisi! This bohemian, busy city is the perfect gateway to the rest of Georgia.
You’ll be transferred to your hotel in Old Town for the evening, so find a cozy spot for dinner or feel free to roam about this 5th-century city.
Tbilisi City Tour
Overnight Location: Hotel in Tbilisi
Mtskheta and Cable Car in Gudauri
Begin your first full day with a tour of the old Georgian capital of Mtskheta, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the centre of the Iberian Kingdom. As the birthplace of Christianity in Georgia, Mtskheta is still known as the spiritual centre of the country and has stunning churches to explore. While leaving the area, take the Old Georgian Military Highway to an impressive fortified church in Ananuri.
Your next stop is Gudari, a ski resort, where you’ll be whisked up by cable car to the Kobi ski area. Enjoy the views as you head towards the Juta settlement by offroad vehicle, ending the day with a short but steep hike to your guesthouse.
Hiking Mount Chaukhi and the Gveleti Waterfalls
After breakfast, begin hiking towards Mount Chaukhi, a jagged-topped mountain that rises dramatically out of the green earth. You won’t want to take your eyes off this unique summit, but the day’s just begun!
Upon arriving at Stepantsminda, take a moment to appreciate Mount Kazbek (5054m, 16,581ft) watching over you. According to ancient Greek mythology, Prometheus was here when he decided to steal the god’s fire. You’ll head off on another short hike to the Gveleti Waterfalls, toeing the border with Russia.
Gergeti Monastery Hike
Today’s scenes will seem straight out of a storybook. You’ll hike up to the Gergeti Monastery, perched alone atop a hill surrounded by mountains. Right on Mount Kazbek (5054m, 16,581ft), this monastery feels a world away from everything else.
Continue on to the Gergeti Glacier, where a perfect viewpoint over the mountains awaits. Snap plenty of photos before heading back to Stepantsminda.
Cave Town Visit and Wine Tasting
Begin today with a visit to the Uplistsikhe Cave Town. This ancient settlement and fortress was built right into the rock of the hillside and presided over the Silk Road many years ago. Next to Uplistsikhe is Ateni Village, where you’ll enjoy a wine tasting at a small family-run winery.
Sufficiently sampled, head back to Tbilisi for your last evening. Make it count!
Tour Concludes
What a week it’s been! After breakfast and packing up, it’s off to the airport or wherever you’re heading to next.
Reviews
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Dates and prices for Hiking Tour of the Greater Caucasus Mountains
This guided tour in Georgia is run as a private tour for your group and the price depends on the number of participants.
The prices below are per person sharing a double or a triple room:
- Guided groups of 4: $865USD per person
Please note that the pricing might change depending on the size of your group
What’s included for Hiking Tour of the Greater Caucasus Mountains
Meals
7 breakfasts and 1 lunch are included on this tour. ½ litre of water per person per day is included, as is your wine tasting.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 6 nights are included. Accommodations before or after the tour are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for you and your luggage is included throughout the tour, including transfers to and from the airport.
Also Included
- English-speaking guide
- Entrance fees to described locations
- All excursions and activities according to the itinerary
- Wine tasting
Not Included
- Flights
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
- Travel insurance
- Visas if required
- Anything not mentioned as included
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Any optional excursions or activities
Accommodation for Hiking Tour of the Greater Caucasus Mountains
This tour is based in hotels and guesthouses. Hotels on this trip are 3-star and offer basic or modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. Guesthouses are simple and welcoming.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy and guesthouse rooms may be dormitory-style. You can pay a supplement for an upgrade to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Frequently asked questions for Hiking Tour of the Greater Caucasus Mountains
How hard is the Hiking Tour of the Greater Caucasus Mountains?
We rate this tour as a 3/5. You should be completing a couple of hikes, most of which will be about 3 or 4 hours in length, with one longer hiking day. Elevation gain is moderate and no technical knowledge is required. Active travellers will be able to get the most out of this tour.
Do I need a visa to travel to Georgia?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the Hiking Tour of the Greater Caucasus Mountains?
7 breakfasts and 1 lunch are included. ½ litre of water per person per day is also included, as is your wine tasting.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to Tbilisi to start this tour?
You can fly into Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) where you will be picked up to begin the tour.
Is the Hiking Tour of the Greater Caucasus Mountains in English?
Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.
Where does the Vashlovani National Park Adventure Tour end?
The tour ends with you being driven back to Tbilisi. You will be taken to Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) to depart.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Georgia?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Georgia?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
When is the best time to travel to Georgia for this tour?
The best time to travel to Georgia for this tour is the summertime (July and August) when the weather in the mountains is at its warmest.
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